Cloudburst in Chennai’s Manali: Torrential Downpour Floods Airport

An Unprecedented Deluge: Cloudburst Batters Chennai's Manali, Flooding City and Airport

Chennai, August 31, 2025 - In a shocking and unprecedented weather event, a cloudburst over Chennai's Manali area unleashed a torrential downpour overnight, bringing the bustling metropolis to a standstill. The intense rainfall, which flooded streets, paralyzed traffic, and led to the diversion of flights from Chennai International Airport, has left residents and authorities reeling. The event serves as a stark reminder of the growing unpredictability of weather patterns and the urgent need for a more resilient urban infrastructure.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the cloudburst, a rare and extreme meteorological phenomenon for a city that typically receives its heaviest rainfall during the northeast monsoon. A cloudburst is defined as a sudden, intense downpour with rainfall exceeding 100 mm in an hour over a small geographical area. According to a bulletin from the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Manali and its surrounding areas were the worst hit, recording an astounding 27 cm of rain in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 a.m. on August 31.

A Night of Chaos and Disruption

The deluge began late on Saturday night, with the sky opening up over North Chennai. The IMD data shows the sheer intensity of the event, with Manali recording 106.2 mm of rain between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., followed by a staggering 126.6 mm between 11 p.m. and midnight. This unprecedented volume of water in such a short span of time overwhelmed the city's drainage systems, leading to widespread waterlogging.

Commuters and residents were caught off guard. Streets in Manali, New Manali Town, and Wimco Nagar were quickly submerged, with water levels reaching several feet in many areas. Vehicles were stalled, and many were forced to abandon their cars. The situation was equally chaotic in other parts of the city, including Korattur and Ayapakkam, which also received significant rainfall.

Airport Paralyzed, Flights Diverted

The impact of the cloudburst was felt far beyond the flooded streets. The heavy showers severely affected air traffic at Chennai International Airport. Several incoming flights from Bengaluru, Delhi, France, and Mangaluru that were scheduled to land in the early hours of Sunday were diverted to Bengaluru. Passengers faced long delays and an uncertain wait as they had to be flown back to Chennai after the weather cleared. Airport authorities confirmed that operations were severely disrupted for several hours due to poor visibility and waterlogging on the tarmac.

The city's emergency services were mobilized overnight to handle the crisis. The Greater Chennai Corporation's flood control units worked tirelessly to pump out water from key areas and clear blocked drains. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was also on standby to assist with rescue operations.

A Rare Meteorological Event

While Chennai is no stranger to heavy rains and flooding, a cloudburst of this magnitude is a highly unusual occurrence. It is a phenomenon more commonly associated with mountainous regions in northern India, where the topography forces moisture-laden clouds to rise and condense rapidly. However, the increasing frequency of such extreme weather events in non-traditional areas points to a larger, more worrying trend. Climate change is believed to be a major factor, as rising temperatures lead to more moisture being held in the atmosphere, which can then be released in sudden, violent downpours.

The cloudburst in Chennai is a wake-up call for urban planners and city administrators. It highlights the urgent need to invest in robust and modern storm-water drainage systems, improve disaster preparedness, and adopt sustainable urban planning practices. With the monsoon season far from over, officials are now on high alert, with the IMD forecasting light to moderate rainfall in isolated places over Tamil Nadu in the coming days. The focus remains on relief, rehabilitation, and building a more resilient city that can withstand the growing threat of extreme weather events